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Doesn’t Matter: Distance from your hometown Does Matter: The actual town where your school is located

Many girls zero in on their school’s distance from mom’s cooking, high school friends, and the other comforts of home. Sure, huge cross-country differences might make or break your college decision. In those cases, you should look into the accessibility of transportation and how realistic it is for you and your budget. But for shorter distances – once you settle into a routine, you likely won’t be going home often, and an extra hour or two won’t make much difference. Instead, focus on the town where your school is located – that’s where you’ll be spending your time. “I wish that I would’ve focused on distance less and the town more. Honestly, there isn’t much to do in the little town of Indiana, Pennsylvania,” says Junene Taylor, a junior at Indiana University of PA. “Choosing a college surrounded by a great, active community is key in my opinion.”

Doesn’t Matter: The party scene Does Matter: Access to activities you’re interested in

Whether or not your first choice has a reputation as a crazy party school really doesn’t matter. Every college has parties. Seriously, listen and take that in - every college has parties. And if crazy parties aren't your thing, every college has a significant group of people who aren't interested in that scene, either. So instead of focusing on that, figure out whether you’ll have access to the things that interest you most. Into indie music? You’ll want a town with a few solid concert venues. Crazy about the water? Make sure there’s a pool or two, either on campus or nearby.

Doesn’t Matter: How often the sports teams win Does Matter: How much the students care when they do

Football Saturdays and courtside nights can seriously enhance your college experience. So we’re not telling you to leave athletics out of your search entirely. But whatever you do, don’t make your choice based on how often your school actually wins. Focus more on the level of spirit students display, and the game day traditions they take part in. “While having teams is great, the skill level of the teams isn’t important,” University of Portland sophomore Julia Kennedy says. “What makes the experience fun is if the student section is good or bad. Even if your team isn’t the best, if there are enthusiastic students, that is what makes it worth it.”

Doesn’t Matter: Whether every single expense is paid Does Matter: Whether it’s feasible AND the school actually works for you

We’re not saying a full ride to your college of choice isn’t something to celebrate. And by all means, take the offer if you think you’ll be happy there. But don’t get so caught up in having every penny accounted for that you wind up at a school you hate. From student loans to part-time jobs, there might be ways to make it work. Sit down with your parents, your grandparents, whoever’s paying the deposit for your tuition and figure out exactly what’s feasible for you. It has to be financially doable, but the foremost concern is still what you’ll actually get out of your education at whatever college you choose.

Doesn’t Matter: Famous alumni Does Matter: Connections for job and internship opportunities

Sure, it’d be nice to say you walked the same halls as Michael Jordan, like students at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, or that you ate the same lukewarm cafeteria food as Carrie Underwood, like collegiettes at Northeastern State. But it’s so much more important to choose a school that will help you build a network and gain access to job and internship opportunities. Check with both the university’s career center and the department you’ll be studying in and see what opportunities they offer to connect with alumni. Events like networking luncheons and student/alumni get-togethers can go a long way toward nailing down the perfect career opportunities.

Ready for an understatement? Choosing a college is a crazy process. And in the midst of all the mania, it can be hard to narrow your focus, figure out what’s actually important and start making decisions.

No worries, though - we’ve broken it down for you. Here’s what matters when you’re picking a school, and what’s not essential at all.